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[Shelby]

Good luck with the docs Rob.

Stress and depression can be very serious and depression can often go unnoticed by the person affected. 

I know in my last year on the Army I was posted a long way from home but within the UK.  I hated being there and already had problems with the 'green machine' prior to that posting and had a lot to deal with at that unit.  I knew I hated being there etc but didn't really see the effect it was having on my family, it wasn't until after I signed off and got out (at the 18 year point so by no means an easy decision) that I found out more details.  Sat round the xmas table, first xmas after getting, chatting away with my mum, dad, wife and kids and it was there that it came out that it had got to the stage where my own kids were scared of me coming home at the weekends because I would explode with anger at the slightest little thing!  It was at that point that it really hit home how bad it had got.

All I would suggest is pretty much what you appear to be doing, see the doc / HR at work and get it acknowledged dealt with.  As has been said, your employer has a duty of care for your health and well being.

You are talking about it and doing the right things it seems, I sat on it and did nothing and I think the outcome would of been far worse for me if I hadn't come out of the Army when I did.

[Lazydocker]

Good luck Rob,

When you see the quack you will have to answer a questionnaire... Be honest with the answers as this is to "Grade" the severity of your depression. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and give a slightly higher value than you first think (this will make sense when you answer the questions ) and don't feel embarrassed/ashamed... There is no need to and you are doing the right thing getting help

Above all, talk to your family about it and take the advice of the GP/HR bods.

Also, as an addition, any meds you are prescribed will probably tell you to avoid alcohol. I would strongly recommend this as alcohol is a depressant and avoiding it will help (I don't know how relevant that comment is... You may be T Total for all I know )

Overall, don't bottle it up and don't be afraid to talk... You've done the hardest bit now by seeking the help you need! It gets easier from now on

[I_want_an_Omega]

Thanks all.

Document written, a concise 2/3 page, well spaced.

SWMBO read it before going to work and started to cry - setting me off.

I called the Docs appt line, they have a Doc providing telephone triage - an excellent idea. She asked me to read what I had written & within a few lines I was blubbing like a baby.

Appointment is made for later today so will report back.

It sounds like a cliche, but I do feel as if I have taken that 1st step.

Thanks guys ....

[dad1uk]

Good luck mate

Don't bottle it up! as BT once said "It's good to talk" and never a truer statement has been made.
Above all be honest to the ones around you, because they will be there to support you.
Hope it all goes well, but this is just the first step of a long bumpy road.

[jerry]

very much agree with dad1 here! Youve taken he first few steps as you say and acknowledged the problem (a hard enough thing in itself for us blokes  ) and have set the ball rolling . From personal experience a very key issue is not to bottle things up/try and repress or ignore your feelings and to open up to people and talk about stuff including options. A problem shared etc. There are some people who simply dont get it but hey, thats more of an indication of their own problems not yours. Mostly you'll be warmed and a little surprised by the empathy and support you might get. As a member on several forums for my son's condition it is around thsese things that the members benefit most. good luck

[I_want_an_Omega]

Thanks again for the kind words.

I saw the Doc and had a very constructive discussion with him - which actually made me cry and then feel better straight afterwards.

Diagnosis was as expected as was course of treatment - basically medication, counseling (in a few weeks) and engaging in positive activities over the next couple of weeks.

So, prescription collected, next appointment made and certificate posted to the boss.

Hopefully I can chill out a bit now - today's activity will be to turn some pallets into kindling for the logburner.

Thanks again 

[tigers_gonads]

Nothing wrong with having a blub and getting a few things off your chest Rob if you feel better afterwards 

Glad things are moving on for the better 
That offer stands anytime
All the best 

Just think, if you do get some time off, you can help your lad drink Lincoln dry over the holidays 

[cleggy]

Chill, and get well soon Rob your health is important.

P.S didn't you recently start the job?

[I_want_an_Omega]

Nothing wrong with having a blub and getting a few things off your chest Rob if you feel better afterwards 

Glad things are moving on for the better 
That offer stands anytime
All the best 

Just think, if you do get some time off, you can help your lad drink Lincoln dry over the holidays 

Not allowed to drink  . Thanks for the offer though Steve.

[I_want_an_Omega]

Chill, and get well soon Rob your health is important.

P.S didn't you recently start the job?

Thanks Dave, 2 years but feels like 10